Reflection on Phi 1:29

For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ,

not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.

This verse is preceded by the Apostle’s words: “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.” (v.27-28) The Apostle continues: “You are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.” And next: “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfil my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition of conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” (2:1-3)

God, through the Apostle, now speaks to us too: “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” How much the Apostle Paul suffered for the sake of Christ, how much persecution, and finally even a martyr’s death! And what did the other apostles suffer for Christ? They boldly witnessed to Jesus by word and life, and also died martyrs and received a crown of eternal glory. Now they rejoice in eternal happiness, which the Lord has prepared for those who love Him and remain faithful to Him.

Let us ask ourselves: What did Jesus suffer for my sake, and what do I suffer for His sake? One cannot speak of love for Jesus without standing by His cross and being ready to make sacrifices and suffer for faithfulness to Him and His teachings. Love for Christ is connected with grace, and God’s Word reminds us: “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” And then: “You are going through the same struggle you saw I had…” Many people suffer, but few suffer for the sake of Christ, for faithfulness to Him. Let us remember that without the cross and without faithfulness to Christ’s teaching, we will hardly pass the final test that awaits us at the hour of death and decides all eternity.

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